Adding apps to your Samsung TV home screen takes three steps: open the app store, find the app you want, and install it directly to your home screen

Samsung TVs come with an app store built into the system—you do not need to read anything extra or use another device. The process is the same whether you own a 2020 model or a current one, though the exact menu names shift slightly between years. Most apps install to your home screen automatically once you complete the installation, though some let you choose where they land.

The fastest way is to use the remote's home button, navigate to the app store, search for what you want, and select install. The whole process takes about two minutes for most apps. If you already have an app installed but it is not on your home screen, you can add it without reinstalling.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the home button on your Samsung remote, then navigate to the app store using the arrow buttons and select it with the center button.
  • Search for the app by name using the on-screen keyboard, or browse categories like Entertainment, Sports, or Utilities to find apps without searching.
  • Select the app and choose the install button; most apps appear on your home screen automatically within seconds of installation finishing.
  • If an app is already installed but missing from your home screen, you can add it back by finding it in the app store and selecting "Add to Home" instead of install.
  • Apps that require a subscription or account (like Netflix or Disney+) will ask you to sign in after installation, but you can do that later from the app itself.

Finding the app store on your Samsung TV

Start by pressing the home button on your Samsung remote. This takes you to the home screen—the main menu you see when you turn on the TV. Look at the bottom row of icons; one of them is labeled "Apps" or shows a grid symbol. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to move left and right until you highlight it, then press the center button to open it.

Once inside the Apps section, you will see a row of apps already installed on your TV. At the end of this row is an icon that looks like a store or a plus sign—this is the app store. Highlight it and press the center button. The store opens and shows you featured apps, categories, and a search option at the top.

Searching for and installing a specific app

If you know the name of the app you want, use the search function. Look for a magnifying glass icon or a search bar at the top of the app store screen. Press the center button on it, and an on-screen keyboard appears. Use the arrow buttons to spell out the app name letter by letter, then press the center button to search.

The search results show matching apps with their icons and descriptions. Highlight the one you want and press the center button to open its details page. This page shows the app's size, rating, and a description. Look for a button labeled "Install" and press the center button on it. The TV downloads and installs the app—this usually takes 10 to 30 seconds depending on the app size and your internet speed.

Once installation finishes, the button changes to "Open" or "Installed." The app now appears on your home screen, usually at the end of the row of apps you already have. You can start using it right away by pressing the center button on the "Open" button, or you can go back to your home screen and find it there.

Browsing categories instead of searching

If you are not sure what app you want or you want to explore what is available, use the category browse option instead of search. Inside the app store, look for tabs or a menu showing categories like Entertainment, Sports, News, Utilities, or Games. Highlight a category and press the center button to see all apps in that section.

Scroll through the list using the arrow buttons. Each app shows its icon, name, and a short description. When you find one that interests you, highlight it and press the center button to see the full details page, then select install the same way you would from a search result.

Adding an already-installed app back to your home screen

Sometimes an app is installed on your TV but does not appear on your home screen—this happens if you removed it from the home screen without uninstalling it, or if the home screen ran out of space. To add it back, go to the app store and search for the app by name. When you find it, the button will say "Add to Home" instead of "Install."

Press the center button on "Add to Home" and the app reappears on your home screen within a few seconds. You do not have to read it again because it is already on your TV. This is faster than reinstalling and takes only a moment.

What to do if an app asks for a sign-in after installation

Apps like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and others that require a subscription or account will ask you to sign in after they install. You can do this right away by pressing the center button on "Open" and following the on-screen prompts, or you can skip it and sign in later by opening the app from your home screen.

To sign in, you will need your username and password for that service. The TV provides an on-screen keyboard for you to type with your remote. If typing is slow or frustrating, many apps let you sign in on your phone or computer instead and then just open the app on your TV—it recognizes your account automatically. Check the app's help section or website to see if this option is available.

Organizing apps on your home screen

Once apps are on your home screen, you can rearrange them by moving them left and right. Highlight an app on your home screen, press and hold the center button for a few seconds, and a menu appears. Select "Move" and use the arrow buttons to slide the app to a new position, then press the center button to drop it there.

You can also remove an app from your home screen without uninstalling it. Highlight the app, press and hold the center button, and select "Remove from Home." The app stays installed on your TV but disappears from the home screen. You can add it back anytime using the "Add to Home" method described earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does an app I installed not show up on my home screen?

Some apps install to a separate "My Apps" folder instead of directly to the home screen. Go to your Apps section and look for a folder labeled "My Apps" or "Installed Apps." Open it and you should find the app there. You can then add it to your home screen using the "Add to Home" option, or move it manually by highlighting and holding the center button.

Can I uninstall an app from my Samsung TV?

Yes. Highlight the app on your home screen, press and hold the center button, and select "Uninstall" from the menu. The app is removed from your TV completely. If you change your mind later, you can reinstall it from the app store the same way you did the first time.

Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?

No. You can browse and install apps without creating a Samsung account. However, some apps—like Netflix or your cable provider's app—require their own separate account to use. The app store itself does not require registration.

What if the app store is not showing up in my Apps section?

On older Samsung TV models, the app store might be labeled differently or located in a different menu. Look for an icon labeled "Samsung Apps," "App Store," or a grid symbol. If you still cannot find it, check your TV's manual or Samsung's support website for your specific model year.

Can I move apps between different rows on my home screen?

Most Samsung TVs show apps in a single scrollable row. You can rearrange them left and right within that row by highlighting, holding the center button, and selecting "Move," but you cannot create multiple rows. If you want to organize apps into groups, some models let you create folders—check your TV's settings menu under Home Screen or Display.